Do you believe in the possibility of lasting happiness?

Or does this seem like something forever out ofreach, a dream on the distant horizon? Would youreact skeptically if told that you were born—just asyou are—with everything it takes to cultivate anindestructible state of happiness?

According to Aristotle, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” But just what is happiness? Is it the fulfillment of our every wish and desire? Is it the absence of all suffering?

We believe that happiness is being able toexperience profound joy that comes fromnever being defeated by any problems in life.In fact, we use the challenges of our lives as a catalystto deepen and expand our inner lives. Despite aculture of instant gratification that influences so muchof modern living, happiness is not a quick fix attainedovernight. Rather, it results from our efforts tomanifest life’s highest potentials—wisdom, compassion,courage and vitality—on a daily basis. NichirenBuddhism provides a concrete means to tapinto these traits that every human being holdsin unlimited supply.

Even amidst the most difficult times, happiness isdefinitely not out of reach.We can indeed move inthe direction of our dreams and face our problemswisely and courageously.We can come to savor thegreatest of all joys: the ability to live life with a deeperand stronger sense of confidence, appreciation andhope. We have the power to take charge of ourown destiny and become a source of positive changein our family, local community and the entire world.

Soka Gakkai International-USA

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“Before I began my Buddhist practice, I didn’t think religion

had any practical application. Now I have developed a

whole new perspective on how religion can affect my

daily life.” —CASSANDRA JAMES, Orange, N.J.

“I’m so happy to be practicing Nichiren Buddhism every

single day of my life, and to be part of this community of

believers. My challenges continue, but I am not a victim.

Based on my Buddhist practice, I am in charge and I love

my life.” —ALLIE WOOD, Birmingham, Ala.

“I have learned the power of determination. I have

learned to never give up. I have also learned how the

correct practice of Buddhism requires us to give the

same priority to the happiness of others as to our own.”

—BOBBY EPPSTEINER, Amherst, Mass.

“By challenging financial goals through faith, which I con-

sidered impossible, amazing opportunities and experiences

have opened up for my career and my life. I have learned

that I cannot compromise my dreams; rather, I can show

the power of Nichiren Buddhism by achieving them and

more.” —LINSLEY LAMBERT, Culver City, Calif.

Buddhism

T he notion that every human being isborn with the ability to become

happy is not new.This is what theBuddha taught more than 2,500years ago.The word “Buddha”means “one who is fully awake”. Itmeans to ‘awaken’ to the workingsof the universal law within our ownlives.The Lotus Sutra, the foremost of the Buddha’s teachings, asserts theinherent dignity and equality of all peopleand indeed of all life. It points to an enduringsense of happiness and compassion that is, in fact,our birthright. However, it wasn’t until NichirenDaishonin, a 13th century Japanese Buddhist reformer,turned this philosophy into a concrete daily practicethat the message of the Lotus Sutra became accessibleto all people. In doing so, he established a practicethat is both simple and very profound.

The Soka GakkaiInternational

The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) believes that thedevelopment of peace, culture and education areessential to building a better world. Under the leader-ship of its current president, Daisaku Ikeda, the SGIapplies the practice of Nichiren Buddhism to moderntimes, promoting a cultural, educational and religiousnetwork of global citizens pursuing nonviolence anddialogue.

The SGI supports practitioners of Nichiren Buddhismand helps them teach others about it on a global scale.Today, there are more than 12 million SGI memberspracticing in about 190 countries and territories

around the world.

At the center of this global movementare neighborhood gatherings wherepeople share experiences, studyBuddhism and encourage oneanother. Everyone is welcome toattend and participate.These inter-

personal ties of friendship, dialogueand support are the very heart

of the SGI.

The Practice

Nichiren revealed that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the law that permeates

all life and the universe.This phraseliterally translates as: devotion to theMystic Law of cause and effectthrough the Buddha’s teaching, orsound. Nichiren describes this phrase

by saying,“Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is notonly the core of the Buddha’s lifetime

teachings, but also the heart, essence, andultimate principle of the Lotus Sutra (The

Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 860). By chantingNam-myoho-renge-kyo with confidence in our innateBuddhahood—or highest human potential—we candispel self-doubt, challenge our problemscourageously and reveal our innate wisdomand compassion.Through chanting,studying Buddhist philosophy andtaking action daily for the well being of others, we can establish a state of profound happiness and make each moment of our lives joyful and meaningful while contributing to peace in our families and community.

“Nam-myoho-renge-kyois not only the core of the Buddha’s lifetime teachings, but also the heart,

essence, and ultimate principle of the Lotus Sutra.”

—NICHIREN DAISHONIN